Why is Halloween Forbidden in Fairfax County Schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:teacher here (middle school). Tongue in cheek answers aside, it's just too much distraction during the school day, at least for the older grades. We have many (many) kids who would use this as an excuse to wear a) sexy/slutty (naughty nurse) or b) purposely controversial outfits (f/e, a boy wearing a strapless prom dress).

I personally don't see anything wrong with having little kids dress up on halloween-it's only one day, after all. But for older kids, it's not really a good idea.

At my kid's fcps kids AND teachers dress up for Halloween.

I am glad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:disruption. scary costumes. people who don't "celebrate" Halloween. it has nothing to do with educating children.

Must I go on?

We do Halloween trick or treating, but I don't want my kids going to school in costume.

School is not just about education. And every last attempt to suck any fun out of the school day has been a significant disappointment. I have good memories of Halloween, parties, birthday treats, etc. Now all forbidden. No "running" on the playground also. The kids already walk around like automatrons all day with almost zero down time- they get 25 min. for lunch and 25 min. at "recess" where they are not allowed to run.

We wonder why kids are stressed and unhappy. And, I think it's complete, utter bullshit. If you don't want to dress up in school - don't. Same way kids don't dress up for "pajama day" or any other day. But, to cut it out for all? You can be a killjoy for yourself and leave the rest of us to enjoy life.

[Anonymous]

I have an Asperger's child who is absolutely terrified of people in costumes. I'm thinking I"m probably not the only one. So there is that angle to consider too -- inclusiveness. If there were a costume contest thing, I would have to keep my child home for the day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:teacher here (middle school). Tongue in cheek answers aside, it's just too much distraction during the school day, at least for the older grades. We have many (many) kids who would use this as an excuse to wear a) sexy/slutty (naughty nurse) or b) purposely controversial outfits (f/e, a boy wearing a strapless prom dress).

I personally don't see anything wrong with having little kids dress up on halloween-it's only one day, after all. But for older kids, it's not really a good idea.

When I taught 1st grade a few years ago (2007-2009), I had to deal with the inappropriate sexy costumes. I had 6 yo little girls show up to school in midriff baring Miley Cyrus costumes, a flapper complete with a fake cigarette in a cigarette holder, what I thought was a mini hooker or stripper (fishnet tights and a strapless, glittery tube top worn as a dress) only to be told that she was a super model. The little boys were things like the Grim Reaper! 5, 6 and 7 year olds! I never thought I'd want to censor Halloween until then.

Jesus. Send home some guidelines (no midriffs, no scary costumes) and then HANDLE IT as they come in: take the cigarette. Are there no dress code violations other days? I doubt it.

And since when does anyone feel entitled a distraction-free day? It's ONE DAY. Teachers since the dawn of time have managed to find the fun/joy in seeing the kids have a little fun once in awhile. At least in ES.

[Anonymous]

Our school allows constumes and parties, but there are reasonable rules with costumes like: no weapons (pretend or real).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think because Halloween is considered Christian and we no longer have Christian-centric public schools.

Which is totally hypocritical since we still "happen" to close for other Christian holidays.

I'm not Christian but I think it's silly. My kids enjoy all the commercial aspects of Christian holidays, fine with me if school has parties around them too.

Couldn't be more wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because the schools have been taken over by people who hate our precious American freedoms.

- wait, you mean FFX' decision to teach "gender fluidity" and preach that "gender is merely a social construct no connected to biology" has no connection to progressive political doctrine?

Say it ain't so!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:disruption. scary costumes. people who don't "celebrate" Halloween. it has nothing to do with educating children.

Must I go on?

We do Halloween trick or treating, but I don't want my kids going to school in costume.

Neither does the obnoxious money grab known as boosterthon, but I digress...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have an Asperger's child who is absolutely terrified of people in costumes. I'm thinking I"m probably not the only one. So there is that angle to consider too -- inclusiveness. If there were a costume contest thing, I would have to keep my child home for the day.

Put your snowflake in some bubble wrap and let the rest of us get on with our social norms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have an Asperger's child who is absolutely terrified of people in costumes. I'm thinking I"m probably not the only one. So there is that angle to consider too -- inclusiveness. If there were a costume contest thing, I would have to keep my child home for the day.

Put your snowflake in some bubble wrap and let the rest of us get on with our social norms.

If you want your kids to socialize wearing your costumes, after school is a great time to do it. Don't you think schools have already scary faces every day? Get fresh air.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seriously?!!!

WE had a HUGE all-school parade with fire trucks and 1-hour class Halloween party afterwards at our N.Arlington public school.

I love that Arlington has an 'old-school' vibe to its celebrations.

In my son's N. Arlington school, only the kindergarten classes dressed up for Halloween and had a party.

[Anonymous]

My child's FCPS middle school is encouraging the kids to come in costume on Monday. It's fun.

[Anonymous]

I love how there are constantly posts on dcum decrying teacher work days or days where teachers are out sick, and yet tons of people are outraged that a non-educational optional holiday doesn't get to take over an entire instructional day. People complain that there's no fun in school anymore, but don't want to take responsibility for pushing test scores and GreatSchools ratings above all else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love how there are constantly posts on dcum decrying teacher work days or days where teachers are out sick, and yet tons of people are outraged that a non-educational optional holiday doesn't get to take over an entire instructional day. People complain that there's no fun in school anymore, but don't want to take responsibility for pushing test scores and GreatSchools ratings above all else.

Lol! Great point!

Life is over and kids miss out on instruction when a teacher's out sick or there's a snow day. What an outrage because kida aren't learning.

Now we're upset schools prioritize learning over masks and parties during instructional time.

Parents let your kids dress up and trick or treat at home. My snowflake needs her education.

[Anonymous]

Halloween is not Christian.

My guess is complainy teachers, or, economic concerns. Is it possible 1/4 of the school cannot afford nice costumes.